Roma’s Ironbark Raceway will see a return to action this month for the first time since floods extensively damaged the facility in 2012. Up to twenty Supercharged Outlaws will test the tracks new surface and provide plenty of action for race starved local fans.
Local drag racing club ‘Southwest Drag racing Association’, have been working long and hard to secure the return of racing to the rural track and have come up trumps.
“The club has been working towards getting funding and recently received a grant from RACQ for $160,000.00 to go towards repair to the track,” said club member and Supercharged Outlaws racer Chris van’tHof.
“A big thanks must be given to Ken Meehan for making this happen.” he added
However despite the realisation of a significant amount of money for improvements to the rural track, it still failed meet the required standards of modern day racing.
“Unfortunately this grant still did not fully cover the cost of repairs to the track and the need to meet ANDRA track specifications.” van’tHof said.
“We needed to raise an additional $40,000.00 to bring the track up to the required standards and thank to the generous sponsorship from businesses and individuals we were able to find this.”
The track now has concrete wall to wall and extends out 70feet from the start line, ensuring a perfect launch pad for all vehicles. From the 70 foot mark through to the end of the track all new hot mix was laid in February, which extends into the braking area.
A complete new timing system is being installed with a new tree. New fencing has been put up on one of the boundaries and major clean-ups are being done around the grounds.
The armco rail has been extended the complete length of the track and the return road has been widened, to be sealed shortly. The amenities block have also been cleaned up and had a coat of paint.
The first meet is planned for Easter this year, 30th & 31st of March.
“Up to 20 Supercharged Outlaw cars are competing at Easter to try and smash the track record which is held by Peter Wilson with a 4.33second pass.” van’tHof said.
Other classes will be Junior Dragster, Pre 1988 Motorbikes, Bike, Street, Super Sedan and Modified.
“With the fantastic new facilities the club has to offer, it should be the largest meet Roma has held.” concluded van’tHof
The Southwest Drag Racing Association would not have been able to achieve all of the above without the dedication of all of its members with special thanks going to – Carmel & Ray Pascoe, David Sommerfield (President), Dave Pledge, Randal Mohr & family, Cherilyn Bickers, Sam Moore, Russell ,Andrew & all the Grulke Concreting Team, Col Seawright, Coats Hire, N J Contractors, Westlands Engineering, Road Tec.
The extra $40,000 was sponsored by the following businesses & individuals
– The Club Hotel Motel Roma, Western Exhaust, Grulke Concreting, Rayham Engineering, Peter Wilson, John Maloney, Qld Country Meats, Greg Sharpe, D & R Waterboys, David Pledge, Danny & Sonya Johnson, Roma Tilt Trays, Morvell Transports, David Sommerfield, Maranoa Funerals, Lionel Bowden, Dick Richardson, Don Brosnan Tyres, Alpine Refrigeration, Hornicks Cypress, Extreme Force, Maranoa Motors, Roma Mini Excavators.
